Triple Axle Boat Trailer Suspension Clearance Problems After Installing New Front Springs

Updated 11/02/2011 | Published 10/31/2011

Question:

I had new springs put on the front axle of my trailer because the tire was rubbing on the fender after I had launched and retrieved the boat on a launch ramp that had a off at the end and I put two of the wheels over it. The new springs seem to be the same size as the old ones but the tire is still very close to the fender. are the springs always mounted above the equalizer or could one end be under and one over? When I put the back of the front spring under the equalizer the space between the tire and fender looks good but the equalizers arent level should i do the same on the third spring? What else might the problem be?

asked by: Dennis K

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would check on is the capacity of the new springs that you had installed on the trailer. You need to be sure that the spring capacity is rated at 1/2 the axle capacity. That way 2 springs equal the capacity of the trailer axle for proper fit. Check the arch of the springs with a level top of spring to top of spring to tie bolt.

Next, check the suspension components on the trailer and make sure there is no damage. The Spring hangers, equalizers or shackle straps could be bent, the axle could be positioned incorrectly on the spring seats and/or u-bolt plate or the shackle straps could be stretched. If the shackle straps could be stretched or were replaced make sure the center to center measurement of the shackle straps is the same as those on the other axles and that the holes in the shackle straps are not elongated from stretching or wear.

The axle itself or spindles, since they were suddenly subjected to all of the trailer weight, could be bent causing the loss of clearance. if your tires seem to be pointing in at the top this would indicate a bent axle or spindles.

If you have a round axle there should be an upwards bow in the tube, if it is straight or bowed down the axle has been bent. If you have a square axle beam, the beam should be straight not bent.

You would not want to have the spring eye for the front spring below the equalizer and the other spring eye above because the suspension would then be working against itself. I attached a drawing that shows how a triple axle, double eye, trailer suspension is normally setup. If your suspension is configured differently this could be causing the issue.

Let me know what you come up with and I will be glad to help in any way I can.

expert reply by: Robert G